Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

A Catholic Diocese of Lincoln online apparel store is open for a short time.

The store opened on August 19, and merchandise will be available for order through September 2.

The store includes a variety of short- and long-sleeve t-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, pullovers, jackets, and baseball caps. The apparel features three different brands – “I Love Catholic Schools,” “Diocese of Lincoln Catholic Schools,” and “Southern Nebraska Catholics.”

“It’s a great way for everyone to show their pride in our Catholic schools and our diocese,” said Dennis Kellogg, director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln. “The merchandise is available in adult and youth sizes, and a variety of colors and styles.”

The store is operated by ARTFX in Lincoln. The idea came from Kate Haden of St. John the Apostle Parish in Lincoln. Kate and her husband Dan designed an “I Love Catholic Schools” t-shirt they marketed about five years ago. The updated version offered this year has an important change to the design.

“We have replaced the image of the heart in the slogan with a sacred heart,” Kate Haden said. “We felt like that was very appropriate to communicate a very pro-Catholic message for our schools.”

Orders can be shipped at cost to your home. There will also be an option to pick up the merchandise ordered at a site in Lincoln on a specific day and time to be determined. If purchasers are unable to make that time, separate arrangements for pick up can also be made.

To view the merchandise and place an order, go to stores.inksoft.com/cdol/shop/home. The store will close on September 2.

“The apparel is a unique idea for birthday or Christmas gifts,” Kellogg said. “It’s a gift that makes a bold statement – in a very comfortable way.”